11-Year-Old Boy Dies in Fatal Fall During Dahi Handi Rehearsal in Dahisar

Dahisar, Mumbai 11 August: Tragedy struck just days before Mumbai's much-anticipated Dahi Handi festival as an 11-year-old participant, Mahesh Ramesh Jadhav, from the western suburbs lost his life during a practice session on Sunday night.

The incident occurred at around 11 pm in the Ketkipada area, where the Navtarun Govinda team was rehearsing their human pyramid. According to reports, Mahesh had climbed to the top tier of the pyramid when he lost his balance and fell directly to the ground. He sustained severe injuries and was declared dead on the spot.

Upon receiving the report, Dahisar police arrived at the scene, conducted a spot inspection, and sent the body for post-mortem. An accidental death report has been registered, and the investigation is underway to determine whether any negligence contributed to the tragic incident.

Mumbai’s Dahi Handi festival, scheduled for August 16, is famous worldwide for its vibrant celebrations and daring feats. Thousands of Govinda teams form human pyramids to break symbolic earthen pots hung at various heights. However, such stunts often lead to injuries. Teams frequently form pyramids with up to seven or nine layers, increasing the risk of accidents.

Despite the state government’s introduction of an insurance scheme for Govinda participants, many teams have yet to enrol, citing issues with the online registration process. As a result, numerous participants remain without insurance coverage, leaving them vulnerable in case of accidents.

The tragic death of Mahesh Jadhav has cast a shadow over the upcoming festival, reigniting concerns regarding the safety of participants and the urgent need for effective implementation of safety measures and insurance schemes.